In this week’s Fellow Spotlight, we are checking in with Laurie Asava. She fills us in on what she enjoys most about living in the city, and her host company, General Motors!

Laurie, tell us about your move to Detroit?

My move to Detroit was a little untraditional. I received word that I got offered the fellowship on my first day of my study aboard in a breathtaking cultural town in Greece. With little to no internet I was on the search for a place to call home. I was fortunate enough to have two wonderful friends from college to lead the way in the apartment search. They looked high and low for a place that could accommodate two teachers and one fellow that would be cozy, practical and affordable. After multiple links sent overseas, the one that stood out was posted on Craigslist and tweeted by D:hive. From what I could see it was a cute townhouse that was perfect. I said yes and did not visit the actual apartment until I moved in.

What do you enjoy most about living in Detroit?

Honestly, the best part about living in Detroit is the people. The people I am surrounded by everyday are willing to have open conversations to learn about what they don’t know and to share what they do know. This is a place where students can talk to CEOs, where business owners talk with other business owners, and where you can find a group of people discussing gentrification and education. That, my friends, is the Detroit difference. Not the bankruptcy or the hustle we give, it is the people that are genuinely in love with and concerned about the future of Detroit.

Tell us about your host company, and what you do?

I work for General Motors, the largest automaker in the world, in their brand new Innovation Xchange. The Innovation Xchange is a 10,000 square foot innovation hub under the HR department focused on connecting people and ideas for impact. As Innovation Xchange Coordinator I help coordinate logistics of the space as well as serve as a design team member for awesome culture change initiatives in GM. Instead of focusing on the product, I get to use design thinking to help leverage new creative problem-solving in the company.

What makes working at GM unique?

Working at GM is a very unique experience. I get to work for one of the largest companies in the world and have an impact on how people work and engage with their company. As a 23year old, I have the chance to advance change in a 100 year old company And, I get to use my love for the city during my everyday job.

What is your favorite part of the Challenges?

My favorite part of the Challenges has to be working with partners in fields I never would have been able to work in. From homeless shelters to recycling programs, I have been introduced to a wide variety of non-profits. It is awesome to be able to come together with my fellow fellows to learn together about ways that people are impacting the city every day.

What are you most looking forward to in Detroit?

Detroit is a cool place mostly because we know where it has been, but have no idea where it will go. I think the one thing that I am looking forward to is the M1 Rail system; I am a huge lover of public transportation. Although this is just a small start, at least it is a start.

Check out Laurie’s personal blog here, and her spotlight video.